Middle Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren Volume 13, No. 2 March 2009 Creating Healthy Congregations The Middle PA District Shalom Team and Congregational Life Team Area 1 invite you to attend a Creating Healthy Congregations Workshop on March 20 21 at Stone Church of the Brethren in Huntingdon. Carl Bowman, Sociologist, will report the findings of the largest ever survey of Church of the Brethren members. Saturday Stan Dueck, Keynote speaker and member of the Congregation Life Team Area 1, will speak on Who We Are And How We Do Things. Saturday will also provide five different workshops to attend. To download a brochure visit our website at www.midpacob.org or call 814.643.0601. Youth Volleyball Tournament Spring Run Church of the Brethren is sponsoring the annual volleyball tournament at Juniata College on Saturday, March 14. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the games begin at 9 a.m. Sign your team up today! Call Lynn Reed at 717.899.7282. Footprints 09 Attention all senior high youth and advisors!. Footprints 09 (formerly ERYC) will be held on November 20 22 at Rhodes Grove Camp & Conference Center in Chambersburg, PA. David Radcliff, director of the New Community Project, will be keynote speaker. Watch for more details in the coming weeks. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend Footprints 09! District Women s Spring Retreat And Mary Pondered...Take Time To Ponder is the theme for the Spring Retreat at Laurel Lodge, Halbritter Estates on April 24 & 25. Eleanor Fix, pastor at Cherry Lane, will discuss Mary and her pondering and our need to ponder. Registration deadline is April 14. Registration forms are available at your church office or online at www.midpacob.org. Spaghetti Supper Saturday, March 14 4 7 p.m. Snake Spring Valley COB 1411 Lower Snake Spring Rd, Everett, PA Proceeds to benefit Disaster Response Tickets: $6 Adults, $3 Children ages 5 11, Children under age 5 free Menu Spaghetti with Meatballs Tossed Salad Garlic Bread Apple Sauce Cake For Tickets Call: Helen Steyer 814.623.5270 Take outs available No tickets sold at door Youth Workcamp Scholarships The Coordinating Team received 24 requests for scholarship assistance for 2009 Church of the Brethren Workcamps. These 24 youth are from Aughwick Germany Valley, Hollidaysburg, Roaring Spring, University Baptist & Brethren and Yellow Creek. Middle PA District has a total of 45 youth & adults attending workcamps including youth from Huntingdon Stone, Martinsburg Memorial, Snake Spring Valley, Spring Run, Valley Point and Woodbury. The Coordinating Team was able to give each youth that applied for scholarship assistance $100 toward their workcamp experience. Workcamp costs vary from $225 to $650, excluding travel, so many of the youth are working hard doing fundraisers in their churches to raise necessary funds for registration and travel. The Coordinating Team is hopeful that youth will receive opportunities from their congregations to share their experiences. Youth are encouraged to share their experiences, people they met, how they saw God s presence by sharing their stories in THE LINK (the district newsletter).
Page 2 Placement Update Please keep the following churches and search committees in prayer as they seek pastoral leadership: Bellwood Diehl s Crossroads Interim, David Lloyd Miller Dunnings Creek Exploring next steps Interims: Claude & Mary Lou Hall Fairview Roaring Spring Interim Coordinator of Ministry: Adam Morgan Placements Adam Morgan will be serving as Interim Coordinator of Ministry at Fairview Church of the Brethren. Adam is a member at Sugar Run and is pursuing his licensing in Middle PA District. Please welcome Adam and his family to Fairview. Stonerstown Maitland: Raven Run: Snake Spring: New Members Kim Davis, John Davis, Donald Eldredge, Mary Eldredge Koty Chadwick, Neil Rodgers Betty Bowser, Harold Bowser Middle PA 2009 Financial Info As of February 23, 2009 Budget To Date Difference Expenses $223,944 $23,592 $200,352 Income $223,944 $12,955 $210,989 Congregational Allocations Individual Gift (Second Mile Giving) $173,025 $12,349 $160,676 $9,473 $355 $9,118 Sympathy Our sympathy is extended to the John Johnson family. John died on January 16 at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, Lois and three children. He was a member of the Albright Church of the Brethren. John was a retired ordained minister in Middle PA District with more than 40 years in ministry, serving many congregations, including Albright, Beech Run and Sugar Run. Please keep the Johnson family in your prayers. Please keep the Wes Lingenfelter family in your prayers. Wes died on February 10 at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Shirley and two sons. For many years he was a faithful servant and leader in Middle PA District and the Roaring Spring congregation. He attended Juniata College and served on the board of directors at The Village at Morrisons Cove. Our sympathy is extended to the Dex Meadows family on the death of his mother, Alice Meadows who died on February 10 at the age of 90. Alice was a member of the Hollidaysburg Church of the Brethren and is survived by four daughters and a son. Her son, Dex serves on the Middle PA District Coordinating Team. Our prayers are with the family during this time. Our sympathy is extended to the Troutman family on the death of LaNora Troutman, on February 16 and Denny Troutman on February 21. LaNora was a member of the Riddlesburg Church. Denny served as pastor for 16 years and as associate pastor for the past year at Riddlesburg. Denny also had a radio ministry. Please keep the Riddlesburg congregation in your prayers during this time.
National Youth Cabinet Named The 2009 2010 church of the Brethren National Youth Cabinet was recently named by the denomination s Youth/Young Adult Ministries office. Youth members are Sam Cupp of Mount Sidney, VA; Jamie Frye of McPherson, KS; Tyler Goss of Mechanicsville, VA; Kay Guyer of Woodbury, PA; Kelsey Murray of Lancaster, PA; and Ryan Roebuck of Middlebury, Ind. These youth will help plan NYC 2010. NYC Coordinators Three young adults will serve as coordinators for the 2010 NYC: Audrey Hollenberg, a Bridgewater College student from Westminster, MD; Emily LaPrade, one of the 2009 summer workcamp coordinators, from Rocky Mount, VA; and Matt Witkovsky, from Huntindon, PA. All three served on the denomination s summer Youth Peace Travel Team. 2010 NYC Theme National Youth Conference (NYC) 2010 has a theme; More Than Meets the Eye, drawn from 2 Cor. 4:6 10 and 16 18 (The Message). The National Youth Cabinet met in January. The cabinet members said the scripture passage reminds us that God does great things through each person...even though we may seem like simple jars of clay, with God s light we are more than meets the eye. More details will be posted as they become available at the new NYC website: www.2010nyc.o Young Adult Conference May 23 25, 2009 (Memorial Day weekend) all young adults in the Church of the Brethren are invited to gather at Camp Swatara (north of Harrisburg, PA) for The Journey of Discipleship. Leadership will include Greg Laszakovits, Dana Cassell, and Katie O Donnell. The cost is $90 prior to April 15. Not only did Jesus call the Twelve to become His disciples, but He still calls us today. What is this journey of discipleship? What does it mean in today s culture to be a disciple of Jesus? Youth & Young Adults Page 3 What does that mean in terms of our daily decisions and lifestyle? Through worship, workshops, recreation, and relationships, we ll explore together what this journey of discipleship is about. Come and join in the search! For information contact register online at www.brethren.org/yac09 or email cobyya_gb@brethren.org or call 800.323.8039 ext. 281. National Jr. High Conference Are you registered for the 2009 National Jr High Conference? Transformed: Inside Out is an exciting event to take place at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia on June 19 21. Only 1300 youth and advisors can join in this awesome event! Cost is $125. Register now at www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/natjrhighconf.htm. Ken Medema will lead singing at each worship service and perform a Saturday night concert. Ted Schwartz (formerly of Ted and Lee ) will present scripture skits. Camp Blue Diamond News Summer Camp Info and Registration on the Web: Camp Blue Diamond has a website with information about upcoming events, summer camp and lots of photos. Check out the summer camps that are available and register online to attend one. It s easy, just go to www.campbluediamond.org. Summer Staff Needed: A lifeguard, naturalist, craft director, twelve counselors, as well as kitchen and maintenance workers are needed for summer camp 2009. If you are interested contact camp at 814.667.2355 or email bludia@penn.com for an application. Upcoming Events: Annual Dinners March 27 28 District Quilting Retreat April 17 19 Wood n Work Days May 1 2 Senior Adult Day May 26 Open House June 7 Summer Staff Training June 7 13 Summer Camp June 13 July 31 Position Opening The Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership based in Richmond, IN. seeks a full time Administrative Secretary, working 30 hours per week to begin on or about April 1, 2009. This person reports directly to the Director of the Academy. Interested persons should call 765.983.1800 or online at www.bethanyseminary.edu. Deacon Training Event The Lebanon Valley Brethren Home is hosting a Deacon Training event on May 16 from 9 3. Workshops will include: The Art of Listening, What to Say When There is Nothing to Say: Support During Grief and Loss, and Deacon Spirituality. Donna Hillcoat, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministries will provide the keynote presentation: Calling or Conundrum: The Role of Deacons. If you have questions or would like to register contact Donna Hillcoat at 800.323.8039 or email: dhillcoat_abc@brethren.org.
Page 4 Annual Conference Logo & Theme The 223rd Recorded Annual Conference theme is: The old has gone! The new has come! All this is from God! The theme statement is taken from II Corinthians 5:16 21. Information Packet The Information Packet for the 2009 Annual Conference is available online. The packet offers essential information about the Conference including information about registration fees, travel, housing, age group events, special presentations, and more. The packet is available at ww.brethren.org/ac (go to http// www.cobannualconference.org/ sandiego/223rdannualconference.pdf to download the packet in a pdf format). Those who are unable to access the internet may obtain an Information Packet on CD for $3 or a paper copy for $5 from the Annual Conference Office. Call 800.688.5186 to make your request. Online Registration for nondelegates and housing reservations began on February 21. Conference Office Executive Director Position The Church of the Brethren seeks an executive director of the Conference Office, to fill a fulltime staff position located at the Church of the Brethren Offices in Elgin, IL. The starting date is August 31, with training at the Annual Conference from June 21 July 1. Applications will be received from March 15 April 15. Interview will take place in May. Send inquiries to Office of Human Resources, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave, Elgin IL 60120 1694; kkrog_gb@brethren.org or 800.323.8039 ext. 258. 2009 Annual Conference June 26 30, 2009 San Diego, CA Denominational News Annual Conference Office to Relocate The Annual Conference offices will be relocated from the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, MD, to the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, IL on September 21. 2009 Annual Conference Moderator David Shumate is the 2009 Annual Conference Moderator. David is the District Executive for the Virlina District. One of the expectations of the Moderator is to be available to visit congregations and districts. If your congregation would like to host the Moderator for a visit, an invitation can be extended directly or sent to the Annual Conference Office to the attention of the Moderator. The Moderator or the Annual Conference Office will be in touch to make the arrangements. Sierra Song & Story Fest Even the Stars are Singing! is the theme for this year s Song & Story Fest on July 3 9 at Camp Peaceful Pines, Dardanelle, CA. A family camp featuring Brethren musicians and storytellers on the sunny slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains! For details contact Ken Kline Smeltzer at 814.466.6491 or email: bksmeltz@comcast.net. Register online at http://www.onearthpeace.org/ programs/special/song story fest/registration.html. Ministers Association Event Paradoxes of Congregational Conflict: Pastoral Leadership in Interpersonal Peacemaking is the title of this year s pre Conference continuing education event which takes place June 25 26 in San Diego, CA. Celia Cook Huffman, professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Juniata College. Register online at www.brethren.org/sustaining. Registrations are due by June 10. Ecumenical Advocacy Days are scheduled for March 13 16 in Washington, DC The Brethren Witness/ Washington Office is inviting Brethren to take part in this gathering on the theme, Enough for All Creation Go to www.advocacydays.org for more details. Lectern Resource published by Logos Productions, features Frank Ramirez as the writer for 2009. Ramirez is the pastor of the Everett congregation and author of several books published by Brethren Press. The resource provides a children s story and an offering message for each Sunday, along with several other worship resources. Go to www.logosproduction.com or call 800.328.0200 for details. Springs of Living Water Christ Centered Church Renewal by David S Young has been published by Herald Press. Young is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and author of Servant Leadership for Church Renewal. The book is a manual to help a church with its spiritual life.
Page 5 Education Opportunities How Do We Respond? Ethical Care for Persons and Families Experiencing Terminal Illness on Thursday, March 26 from 8 3:30 at St. Peter s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lancaster with keynote speaker Dr. Dennis Hollinger, PhD. Cost is $35. For more details and registration call Ruth Stoll at 717.697.6560 or email: ris15@verizon.net. Psalms: The Inner Life of Lament and Praise led by Robert Neff on April 23 26 at Stone Church of the Brethren. This course will examine the forms and practices of the Psalter in order to enrich one s own devotional life and reflect on the place of these texts in contemporary preaching and worship. Contact Amy at 717.361.1450 or email: svmc@etown.edu or online at www.etown.edu/svmc. Reading Biblical Books in Context: A Study of the Festal Scrolls a continuing education event with Dr. Robert Neff, Old Testament scholar, President Emeritus of Juniata College, and former General Secretary of the Church of the Brethren. He is a member of University Baptist & Brethren Church. Event will take place on Tuesday, May 19 from 9 3 at the Susquehanna Room, Elizabethtown College. Cost is $50 plus $10 CEU documentation fee. Registration deadline is May 8. Light refreshments and lunch are included. Contact Amy at 717.361.1450 or email: svmc@etown.edu or online at www.etown.edu/ svmc. Messages of Peace in the Old Testament a continuing education event with David Leiter, pastor of the Green Tree COB, on Wednesday, September 16 from 9 3 at the Susquehanna Room, Elizabethtown College. When a church addresses the subject of peace, rarely is the Old Testament seen as the centerpiece of the discussion. Students and interpreters are very quick to turn to the New Testament and put the Old Testament on a shelf. Cost is $50 plus $10 CEU documentation fee. Registration deadline is September 4. Light refreshments and lunch are included. Contact Amy at 717.361.1450 or email: svmc@etown.edu or online at www.etown.edu/svmc. Passions of Youth, Practices of Christ will be offered on Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27 at the Corodus Church of the Brethren in Southern PA District. The instructor is Russell Haitch, Associate Professor of Christian Education and Director of the Institute for Ministry with Youth and Young Adults. Registration information is available through the office of the Brethren Academy at 765.983.1824 or academy@bethanyseminary.edu. Middle PA Disaster Response Opportunities Call Ron Dilling, Project Coordinator 814 224 5165 for disaster trips Chalmette, Louisiana: March 29 April 11 May 17 23 July 19 25 September 20 26 November 8 21 Call Jennie Ramirez at 814 652 2634 if you are interested in going to New Windsor Service Center the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Blitz Build Blitz Build is taking place from April 20 May 16 in New Orleans. Brethren Disaster Ministries is taking part in an ecumenical blitz build in partnership with Church World Service (CWS) and nine other denominations, to build and repair a minimum of 12 homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in the Little Woods neighborhood of New Orleans. Church World Service Kits Needed Church World Service Kits are in great demand! According to the Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor. Low inventory levels of Church World Service (CWS) Kits has prompted an appeal for Hygiene Kits, Baby Kits, School Kits, and Emergency Clean up Buckets. Go to www.churchworldservice.org/kits for instructions to assemble, pack, and ship kits, or call 800.297.1516. Kits may be sent to Church World Service, Brethren Service Center Annex, 601 Main St, PO Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776.
Middle Pennsylvania District Church of the Brethren 1113 Mount Vernon Avenue Huntingdon PA 16652 NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID HUNTINGDON PA 16652 PERMIT NO. 141 2009 Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00 4:00 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED March 2009 Looking Ahead March 1 3... Women In Ministry Retreat, Camp Blue Diamond March 14... Youth Volleyball Tournament, Juniata College March 20 21... Creating Healthy Congregations Workshop, Stone Church March 22... Lenten Dinner Play, Bedford COB March 27 & 28... Annual Dinners, Camp Blue Diamond April 10... District Center Closed April 24 25... District Women s Retreat, Laurel Lodge April 24 26... District Quilt Camp, Camp Blue Diamond April 25 29... Christian Citizenship Seminar, NY & Washington DC May 1 & 2... Wood & Work Days, Camp Blue Diamond May 23 25... Young Adult Conference, Camp Swatara May 25... District Center Closed June 19 21... National Jr. High Conference, Harrisonburg, VA June 26 30... Annual Conference, San Diego, CA July 3 9... Song & Story Feast, Camp Peaceful Pines Aug. 11... Brethren Open, Iron Masters Country Club Sept. 26... Heritage Fair Oct. 16 17... District Conference, Juniata College Nov. 7... Ethics Training Nov. 20 22... Footprints 09, Rhodes Grove Retreat Center THE LINK is the newsletter of the Middle Pennsylvania District Center for Congregational Ministry EDITORS: David Steele June Peters Kris Shunk Make mailing list corrections to: Phone: 814 643 0601 Fax: 814 643 0602 E mail items to: kshunk.midpa@verizon.net